Brics summit in Goa: Russian president Vladimir Putin's arrival delayed due to fog

Panaji: Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in Goa on Saturday to attend the Brics Summit was delayed due to poor visibility with thick fog making it difficult for his plane to land in the coastal state.

The Russian President was first scheduled to arrive at 1 am at INS Hansa base, which is adjacent to the Dabolim Airport, but his arrival was delayed due to thick fog in the region, sources in the naval base told PTI.

File photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin. AP

Putin's flight, which was supposed to land at 3 am, was rescheduled to 7 am but even at that time it could not arrive.

However, due to security reasons it was not stated as to where his plane has been diverted.

Heavy security was in place along the road connecting INS Hansa base to the summit's venue hotel in Benaulim village.

Several Union and Goa government officials were also camping at the base since Friday night to welcome Putin.

"The arrival of President of Russia has been delayed. The exact rescheduled time of his arrival has not been given to us," Deputy Superintendent of Police Suchita Desai said.